Where are the lanthanides placed in the periodic table?
Quick Answer
The lanthanides are usually shown in a separate row below the main body of the periodic table. They belong to elements 57 through 71, from lanthanum to lutetium.
The Full Story
The lanthanides are often displayed as a detached row beneath the main periodic table to keep the chart compact. They are the 15 elements from lanthanum (57) through lutetium (71), and they are closely related in chemical behavior. These elements are part of the f-block and are often called rare earth elements, although some are not especially rare in Earth’s crust. Their placement below the table is mainly a formatting choice, not a sign that they belong elsewhere chemically. Lanthanides are important in magnets, lasers, catalysts, and modern electronics.
Key Facts
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"Why does the periodic table have a ‘hidden’ row under it?"
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